Tag: opinion piece

Ever since I started following discussions in the anti-SJW community, I’ve seen the term “SJW” being thrown around like crazy. Sometimes, it’s even me tossing out the word. As I’m sure most people know, once you say a word too many times in succession, it begins to lose all meaning. So I’ve decided to compile a description of what I mean when I say “SJW”. Hopefully, this will clarify some of my viewpoints for readers, while also helping me to make sure that I’m not throwing out the word “SJW” when it is not applicable.

“SJW” was invented to be used as an insult. It is often used synonymously with what people call the regressive left. (For example, people who support racial segregation in the name of being “progressive”.) SJW is just a less formal way of saying it. However, some people have begun to identify as SJWs, which I find absolutely bizarre, especially considering that it is an insult. Social justice is great provided it’s done properly, but the “warrior” part implies an aggressive attitude towards these issues.

In my opinion, that’s what defines a social justice warrior: their bad attitude. Often, they cannot stand to associate themselves with someone whose opinions differ from theirs, even slightly. They attack and demonize views that do not line up with their own. They are known for throwing out words like “racist” and “sexist” as if they have no meaning. On Tumblr, home of the SJWs, there is a big problem with people telling each other to kill themselves over behaviours that one person deems “problematic”. (Incidentally, these are usually tiny disagreements between people who share a community.)

Another aspect of an SJW is their victim complex. Oftentimes, it seems that they were the nerdy kids growing up, and might have been the victim of bullies. This could cement into their brain that they are, by default, a victim; and they’ll always feel like such. Until they take a big step forward in maturity, these people always feel that anyone who disagrees with them is a bully, even when the SJW in question is spouting insults at someone who is being polite and rational. This leads into their self-righteousness; they are unable to have a rational discussion or debate. Quite often, they’ll even say that others do not deserve to debate with them, having committed the “sin” of having different opinions.

And finally, the last quality that I have noticed about SJWs is that they value feelings over facts. Of course feelings are important in certain circumstances, but when discussing a topic that has roots in science or statistics, it is best to come to the discussion with a variety of researched sources. “I think” and “I feel” really isn’t going to cut it.

In conclusion, I think we all need to be more aware of how our attitudes reflect upon ourselves. We all have room for improvement when it comes to being kind to other people. I like laughing at the extreme ideas that come from certain people, but at the end of the day I try to understand their viewpoints in an attempt to be kind and accepting of those with whom I disagree. Yet I know that I still have room to improve, and I am constantly trying to do so in every aspect of my life. I like to think that I’m growing, and I want to encourage everyone to grow and improve as a person as well.

Remember that your views are more likely to be accepted if the attitude behind them is positive and reasonable. Don’t forget to be kind and rational, and I’ll see you next time!